Become a Certified Marine Electrical & Diesel Technician
Rolling Admissions | Starts in September & March
Priority deadlines: January 15 for Spring, July 15 for Fall
IYRS School of Technology & Trades offers a Marine Systems certificate program for those aspiring to seamlessly enter the marine industry as a systems technician in just 6 months. In this program, you will learn the theory and technologies of both stand-alone and fully-integrated boat systems and the inner workings of a powerboat down to the most meticulous details. By the time you graduate, you'll be able to install, repair, and troubleshoot everything from diesel and outboard engines to electrical systems to plumbing, computer-based electronics, and hydraulics. This immersive program prepares students with a wide range of skills for in-demand maritime careers.
Transform your passion for boating into a rewarding, in-demand career.
Marine Systems Program Overview
The Marine Systems program at IYRS combines rigorous hands-on training with industry certifications to launch students into rewarding careers in marine technology. As one of the top marine trade schools in the U.S., IYRS sets itself apart by delivering whole-vessel training. Students don't just learn to service engines; they become proficient in diagnosing and repairing the full spectrum of marine systems, from electronics and hydraulics to fuel systems and HVAC.
The program’s full-time format allows students to complete their training in just six months, far faster than most 2-year community college alternatives. With a four-day weekly schedule (Monday–Thursday, 7:30 AM–4:00 PM), the curriculum blends technical instruction with real-world experience. Students spend the majority of their time on the shop floor, troubleshooting realistic marine system faults and building simulation panels that mirror the complexities of modern vessels.
This immersive approach ensures that graduates are ready to meet the growing demand for skilled marine technicians. As seasoned professionals retire and the marine service industry continues to expand, IYRS graduates are stepping into a high-opportunity job market with the confidence, knowledge, and hands-on skills to succeed.
What kind of jobs can I get with a marine systems trade certificate?
There’s a high demand for skilled labor in the marine industry, especially as many seasoned technicians are retiring and aging out of the workforce. This has created a significant talent gap, and a strong opportunity, for individuals with hands-on training in marine systems.
With a Marine Systems trade certificate from IYRS, graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers in the marine and maritime industries. Our program trains students to install, troubleshoot, and repair complex onboard systems, including electrical systems, fuel systems, inboard and outboard engines, plumbing, hydraulics, electronics networks, and propulsion systems.
Graduates of the Marine Systems program often go on to work as:
- Marine systems technicians
- Marine electricians
- Diesel engine mechanics
- Systems installers for onboard electronics and propulsion
- Field service techs for marinas and boatyards
- Technical support or sales reps for marine equipment companies
Program Quick Facts
6-Month Program
Fast-track your future. Earn up to 7 certifications in only 6 months and step into the workforce with credentials employers value.
4-Day Schedule
Our program follows a convenient 4-day schedule, meeting Monday-Thursday from 7:30 AM-4:00 PM, giving you flexibility to balance learning with life.
Rolling Admissions
Begin your journey on your schedule. With rolling admissions and start dates in both fall and spring, apply when it’s convenient for you.
Comprehensive Curriculum & Skills You’ll Master
The Marine Systems program at IYRS offers a whole-boat approach that sets it apart from traditional marine mechanic training. Rather than focusing solely on engines, the program prepares students to become versatile marine technicians by teaching them to install, maintain, and troubleshoot all core vessel systems found in modern boats.
Whole-Boat Systems Training
Students learn to service every critical system on a vessel, including:
- Marine electrical and electronic systems (DC and AC)
- Mechanical and hydraulic steering systems
- Marine pumps such as impeller, centrifugal, and diaphragm models
- Fuel systems for both gasoline and diesel engines
- Marine diesel and outboard engine maintenance
- LPG and CNG systems for onboard cooking and heating
- Plumbing and tankage systems
- Basic fiberglass repair
This hands-on, systems-based training supports the development of foundational marine service technology skills while preparing students for diverse, real-world applications.
Standards-Aligned Certification Preparation
The curriculum is built around certifications that employers value. Students are prepared to earn up to eight credentials aligned with major industry standards, including:
- ABYC Marine Electrical Certification
- ABYC Marine Systems Certification
- ABYC Marine Engines & Fuel Systems
- NMEA Basic Marine Electronics Installer
- Basic NMEA 2000 Installer
- Yamaha Introduction to Outboard Systems
- Yamaha Portable Maintenance Certification Program (MCP)
These certifications provide credibility and demonstrate technical readiness in marine trade schools and job settings alike.
Troubleshooting & Diagnostic Skills
A key focus of the program is teaching students to diagnose problems, not just install systems. Marine technician students develop structured troubleshooting workflows using multimeters, schematics, and system-specific diagnostic methods. They’ll learn to:
- Identify and correct electrical faults across AC and DC systems
- Perform diagnostics on marine diesel and outboard engines
- Detect contamination in fuel delivery systems
- Analyze hydraulic and steering pressure issues
- Introduction to A/C performance and refrigerant leaks
- Introduction to LPG system checks and leak detection
These skills align with ABYC certification standards and reflect real marine service demands.
Marine Electronics & OEM Systems
Modern marine service work demands fluency in electronics and networking. IYRS prepares students to install and maintain the latest integrated technologies using:
- NMEA networking standards for digital systems
- Equipment such as GPS, radar, VHF radios, and autopilots
- OEM protocols through Yamaha-aligned propulsion systems training
This systems-thinking approach ensures graduates are ready to service today’s connected vessels, whether in marinas, repair yards, or out on the water.
Curriculum at a glance
Tour Our Marine Systems Workshop
The Wharf and Marina
Welcome to IYRS School of Technology & Trades, the only private accredited non-profit career school in Rhode Island recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. IYRS offers hands-on, experiential programs in Boatbuilding & Restoration, Composites Technology, Digital Modeling & Fabrication, and Marine Systems. Our Newport Harbor campus provides the perfect backdrop for diving into the next chapter of your career. Our students' job-ready skills are no surprise to our 700+ industry partners who rely on our graduates being prepared with cutting-edge training. Beyond hard skills, students learn communication, project and time management, and teamwork. IYRS's industry-recognized credentials are earned at a fraction of the time and cost of a traditional degree.
Student Life
IYRS's campus experience encourages a culture of community with faculty, staff, and student involvement from across the four programs. From day one, our new student orientation creates an opportunity for students to get to know each other, foster team building, and establish a positive learning environment. We also see the importance of having a little fun while on campus. From themed lunches to holiday traditions like pumpkin carving and Friendsgiving, and Alumni events like the Student & Alumni Regatta, these experiences provide a chance for students to create lifelong friendships. Any day where we all gather on the picturesque IYRS Wharf is a good day at IYRS!
Welcome Center
The IYRS Welcome Center houses our administrative offices. The Admissions and Financial Aid offices support students through the enrollment process. With 79 percent of students receiving financial assistance, they work with students to make an IYRS education accessible. They also work closely with the 13 percent of the student body who are active military and veterans. The Student Services Department supports students during their time at IYRS, providing educational support services and organizing activities and networking events. Career Development, which is a key component of the curriculum of every program, works with students individually on externship and employment, which has resulted in exceptional employment rates averaging over 85 percent.
Our Campus in Newport, RI, life in Newport
Located on the water in downtown Newport, IYRS is a perfect location for students who enjoy the ocean and outdoor activities. Our campus is within walking distance of shops and entertainment in the City of Newport; it's a short bike ride to beautiful beaches and the famous Ocean Drive. Students enjoy surfing, fishing, sailing, skateboarding, walking trails, and sitting on the beach, listening to the waves. While Newport is known as a world-class wedding and events destination attracting travelers from around the globe, for locals, the lifestyle can be low-key, casual, and outdoorsy—great for anyone who appreciates the beauty of coastal living.
Library & IYRS History
The IYRS Maritime Library, a member of the International Congress of Maritime Museums, is a collection of books and objects related to boatbuilding, sailing, racing, navigation and more. The library holds over 5,000 books and publications dating from the early eighteenth century to today. It also houses over 1000 blueprints in the *Ratsey and Lapthorn* Sail Plan Collection, 80 reels of vintage film from the George O'Day Film Collection, and extensive America's Cup archives. The library is open to the public Wednesday-Friday, 12-5, and the majority of books in the collection are available to be borrowed.
Boatbuilding & Restoration Program Overview
In Restoration Hall, first-year students learn plank-on-frame boatbuilding fundamentals, starting with safety. They measure and create full-sized drawings to understand a Beetle Cat sailboat's lines. Then, they rebuild in teams, plank by plank, including spar construction and finish work. Along the way they learn costing and estimating as well as the basics of CAD, welding, and power tools. Between years one and two, students complete an externship to apply their skills in a workplace setting. In year two, students take on more challenging boat restoration projects and graduate with marketable experience that can be applied to the marine industry and other woodworking careers including custom cabinetry and furniture making.
Tradition Meets Innovation
IYRS is a place where students can be exposed to both long-established and cutting-edge methods — from traditional plank-on-frame boat-building techniques to modern manufacturing and composite construction. Our students learn something old in order to be good at something new. By understanding time-honored methods and practices, such as manual machining or hand-drawn design, our students gain foundational knowledge that helps them make informed choices when using computer-aided design (CAD) software and machinery. Access to tools like our CNC router, CNC lathes and mills, 3D printers and advanced materials allows students to gain proficiency before applying these skills in the workplace.
Marine Systems Program Overview
Marine Systems is a full-time program developed alongside industry experts to match industry standards and employment needs. Five months are spent on campus followed by a one-month externship. To learn the foundational skills of installation and troubleshooting, students build a simulator panel which contains systems you'd find on a 20–60-foot recreational vessel. Students have the potential to earn 7 certifications while developing hands-on skills. Most students enter the marine industry for externship and career, but some apply their transferable skills to other areas. Many students work in boatyards as systems, electrical, or inboard/outboard engine technicians. Graduates have also set sail as engineers on research, commercial, and privately-owned vessels.
Digital Modeling & Fabrication Program Overview
In our Digital Modeling & Fabrication program, students learn advanced manufacturing skills such as CNC programming, machine setup, and operation. Students become proficient in industry-standard software including SolidWorks, Rhino, and Mastercam. In the program's final month, students put skills into practice in an externship that may lead to permanent employment. Students apply technical skills across a broad spectrum of industries and applications related to CNC manufacturing and fabrication. IYRS's 9-month, full-time certificate program positions students for employment in a range of industries by teaching the underlying logic of how tools work. Beyond hard skills, the program trains students to collaborate, communicate, and creatively problem solve.
Composites Technology Program Overview
The strongest, lightest structures are created from composites materials. Composites are a combination of fiber and a polymer resin. The hands-on IYRS Composites Technology Program teaches foundational techniques leading to advanced processing of leading-edge materials. This leads to career possibilities in the marine, aerospace, motorsports, sporting goods, medical and other industries. The 9-month program progresses from basic techniques to advanced aerospace fabrication. Students sit for three American Composites Manufacturers Association certifications: open molding, vacuum infusion processing, and advanced composites. What sets the IYRS program apart is the emphasis of the "why" as well as the "how". This foundation fosters a career path acceleration from entry level to more advanced positions.
Services & Resources for Your Success
At IYRS, you benefit from personalized student services designed to support your success. Our career development team works one-on-one with you to identify externship opportunities, enhance your resume, and develop critical job search and networking skills. With access to industry-aligned programs, a dedicated job board, on-campus career fair, and industry lunch & learn events, you are well-equipped to launch a fulfilling career. Additionally, our supportive community and extensive resources help you thrive while you're here on campus and beyond.
Our alumni find success with employers like...
Program Recognition
Awarded ABYC Marine Trades Accreditation
IYRS's Marine Systems program has been designated a Marine Trades Accreditation Program (MTAP) by the ABYC Foundation. This makes IYRS the only post-secondary school to receive this accreditation, ensuring that its educational training aligns with industry needs. The onsite review team praised the program's organization and the faculty's dedication to student success.
Named A Newsweek "Best Maker School"
Newsweek named IYRS one of the Best Maker Schools in the world for 2021 (the last year this award was granted). Winning higher education institutions have curricula that encourages learning by doing; are supported by educators committed to collaborative problem-solving; have well-developed makerspaces, labs, and studios; and support the ingenuity and community engagement that are hallmarks of the maker movement.
Explore the Marine Systems Program at IYRS
The marine industry is experiencing steady growth, presenting exciting opportunities for aspiring marine technicians. According to the NOCTI ABYC Marine Service Technician Certification page, the industry saw a 17% job increase from 2018 to 2023, driven by the growing demand for marine maintenance and service technology.
Marine technicians also benefit from competitive salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for marine service technicians is $49,990, though earnings vary depending on factors like experience, location, employer, and demand. Entry-level positions offer a solid starting point, while experienced marine maintenance technicians and specialists in Yamaha Marine or Mercury Marine engines can command higher wages.
Evolving Industry
In this program, you will not only learn the theory and technologies of stand-alone and fully integrated boat systems but also gain the skills to stay ahead in the ever-evolving marine industry. Marine technology is advancing rapidly, and the demand for technicians who can work with modern systems is higher than ever. As one of the leading marine tech schools, IYRS ensures students are prepared by teaching the latest advancements in marine service technology, including innovations in diesel and outboard engines, electrical systems, computer-based electronics, and hydraulics.
Marine technicians play a vital role in servicing a wide range of vessels, from recreational powerboats to luxury yachts. IYRS provides students with hands-on training and real-world experience, enabling them to repair and troubleshoot even the most meticulous details of these vessels. By graduation, students are equipped with the skills to take on in-demand roles as marine service technicians or to use their training as a foundation for careers in engineering or entrepreneurship.
Students in our marine mechanic school will build working simulation panels from the ground up which contain all of the systems on a powerboat and will prepare for and take valuable American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), National Marine Electronic Association (NMEA), and Yamaha certifications as part of the program:
- ABYC Marine Electrical Certification
- ABYC Marine Systems Certification
- ABYC Marine Engines and Fuel Systems
- NMEA Basic Marine Electronics Installer
- Basic NMEA 2000 Installer
- Yamaha Introduction to Outboard Systems
- Yamaha Portable Maintenance Certification Program (MCP)
- Yamaha Midrange Maintenance Certification Program (MCP)
This immersive program prepares students with a wide range of skills for in-demand maritime careers. Graduates of IYRS Marine Systems often find rewarding roles in diverse settings, such as:
- Marinas
- Marine dealerships
- Repair yards
- Manufacturing facilities
- Onboard vessels
These roles include maintaining and repairing recreational boats, luxury yachts, and other vessels, ensuring their safety and performance. IYRS Marine Systems graduates are highly sought after for their expertise in marine technology, marine engines, and electrical systems.
